Haironyourchest

From the HSE website, there's also an expanded Q&A PDF - looks like theres nothing in there to mandate new PPE for new employees. As long as its "maintained in good condition" its fine... Do employers have to provide personal protective equipment (PPE)? The relevant regulations are the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. Regulation 4 states: Every employer shall ensure that suitable personal protective equipment is provided to his employees who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work except where and to the extent that such risk has been adequately controlled by other means which are equally or more effective. The accompanying guidance states: Employers should, therefore, provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and training in its usage to their employees wherever there is a risk to health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled by other means. In order to provide PPE for their employees, employers must do more than simply have the equipment on the premises. The employees must have the equipment readily available, or at the very least have clear instructions on where they can obtain it. By virtue of Section 9 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, no charge can be made to the worker for the provision of PPE which is used only at work. Section 9 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 states: "No employer shall levy or permit to be levied on any employee of his any charge in respect of anything done or provided in pursuance of any specific requirement of the relevant statutory provisions". Section 9 applies to these Regulations because they impose a 'specific requirement' - i.e. to provide PPE. Personal protective equipment (PPE) at work A brief guide This is a web-friendly version of leaflet INDG174(rev2), published 06/13 Introduction This leaflet describes what you, as an employer, may need to do to protect your employees from the risk of injury in the workplace. It will also be useful to employees and their representatives. Employers have duties concerning the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at work and the leaflet explains what you need to do to meet the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended). What is PPE? PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets and hard hats, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. Hearing protection and respiratory protective equipment provided for most work situations are not covered by these Regulations because there are other more specific regulations that apply to them. However, these items need to be compatible with any other PPE provided. Cycle helmets or crash helmets worn by employees on the roads are not covered by the Regulations. Motorcycle helmets are legally required under road traffic legislation. The Employment Act 1989 gives an exemption for turban-wearing Sikhs working on construction sites from the need to wear head protection. What do the Regulations require? PPE should be used as a last resort. Wherever there are risks to health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways, the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 require PPE to be supplied. The Regulations also require that PPE is: ■ properly assessed before use to make sure it is fit for purpose; ■ maintained and stored properly; ■ provided with instructions on how to use it safely; ■ used correctly by employees. Page 1 of 6 Assessing suitable PPE To make sure the right type of PPE is chosen, consider the different hazards in the workplace and identify the PPE that will provide adequate protection against them; this may be different for each job. Ask your supplier for advice on the types of PPE available and their suitability for different tasks. In some cases, you may need to get advice from specialists or from the PPE manufacturer. Another useful source of information is the British Safety Industry Federation (www. bsif.co.uk). Consider the following when assessing suitability: ■ Does the PPE protect the wearer from the risks and take account of the environmental conditions where the task is taking place? For example eye protection designed to protect against agricultural pesticides may not offer adequate protection when using an angle grinder to cut steel or stone. ■ Does using PPE increase the overall level of risk or add new risks, eg by making communication more difficult? ■ Can it be adjusted to fit the wearer correctly? ■ What are the needs of the job and the demands it places on the wearer? For example, the length of time the PPE needs to be worn, the physical effort required to do the job or the requirements for visibility and communication. ■ If someone wears more than one item of PPE, are they compatible? For example does using a respirator make it difficult to fit eye protection properly? Selection and use When selecting PPE: ■ choose good quality products which are CE marked in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 – suppliers can advise you; ■ choose equipment that suits the wearer – consider the size, fit and weight; you may need to consider the health of the wearer, eg if equipment is very heavy, or wearers have pre-existing health issues, standard PPE may not be suitable; ■ let users help choose it, they will be more likely to use it. Using and distributing PPE to your employers: ■ instruct and train people how to use it; ■ tell them why it is needed, when to use it and what its limitations are; ■ never allow exemptions for those jobs that ‘only take a few minutes’; ■ if something changes on the job, check the PPE is still appropriate – speak with your supplier, explaining the job to them; ■ if in doubt, seek further advice from a specialist adviser. Personal protective equipment (PPE) at work Page 2 of 6 Health and Safety Executive The hazards and types of PPE Eyes Hazards: Chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour, radiation. Options: Safety spectacles, goggles, face-shields, visors. Note: Make sure the eye protection has the right combination of impact/dust/ splash/molten metal eye protection for the task and fits the user properly. Head Hazards: Impact from falling or flying objects, risk of head bumping, hair entanglement. Options: A range of helmets, hard hats and bump caps. Note: Some safety helmets incorporate or can be fitted with specially-designed eye or hearing protection. Don’t forget neck protection, eg scarves for use during welding. Do not use head protection if it is damaged – replace it. Breathing Hazards: Dust, vapour, gas, oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Options: Disposable filtering face-piece or respirator, half- or full-face respirators, air- fed helmets, breathing apparatus. Note: The right type of respirator filter must be used as each is effective for only a limited range of substances. Where there is a shortage of oxygen or any danger of losing consciousness due to exposure to high levels of harmful fumes, only use breathing apparatus – never use a filtering cartridge. Filters only have a limited life; when replacing them or any other part, check with the manufacturer’s guidance and ensure the correct replacement part is used. If you are using respiratory protective equipment, look at HSE’s publication Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide (see ‘Further reading’). Protecting the body Hazards: Temperature extremes, adverse weather, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, impact or penetration, contaminated dust, excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing. Options: Conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, specialist protective clothing, eg chain-mail aprons, high-visibility clothing. Note: The choice of materials includes flame-retardant, anti-static, chain mail, chemically impermeable, and high-visibility. Don’t forget other protection, like safety harnesses or life jackets. Personal protective equipment (PPE) at work Page 3 of 6 Health and Safety Executive Hands and arms Hazards: abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric shock, skin infection, disease or contamination. Options: Gloves, gauntlets, mitts, wrist-cuffs, armlets. Note: Avoid gloves when operating machines such as bench drills where the gloves could get caught. Some materials are quickly penetrated by chemicals so be careful when you are selecting them, see HSE’s skin at work website (http://www.hse.gov.uk/skin). Barrier creams are unreliable and are no substitute for proper PPE. Wearing gloves for long periods can make the skin hot and sweaty, leading to skin problems; using separate cotton inner gloves can help prevent this. Be aware that some people may be allergic to materials used in gloves, eg latex. Feet and legs Hazards: Wet, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects, metal and chemical splash, abrasion. Options: Safety boots and shoes with protective toe caps and penetration-resistant mid-sole, gaiters, leggings, spats. Note: Footwear can have a variety of sole patterns and materials to help prevent slips in different conditions, including oil or chemical-resistant soles. It can also be anti-static, electrically conductive or thermally insulating. It is important that the appropriate footwear is selected for the risks identified. Training ■ Make sure anyone using PPE is aware of why it is needed, when to use, repair or replace it, how to report it if there is a fault and its limitations. ■ Train and instruct people how to use PPE properly and make sure they are doing this. Include managers and supervisors in the training, they may not need to use the equipment personally, but they do need to ensure their staff are using it correctly. ■ It is important that users wear PPE all the time they are exposed to the risk. Never allow exemptions for those jobs which take ‘just a few minutes’. ■ Check regularly that PPE is being used and investigate incidents where it is not. Safety signs can be useful reminders to wear PPE, make sure that staff understand these signs, what they mean and where they can get equipment, eg for visitors or contractors. Maintenance Make sure: ■ equipment is well looked after and properly stored when it is not being used, eg in a dry, clean cupboard, or for smaller items in a box or case; ■ equipment is kept clean and in good repair – follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule (including recommended replacement periods and shelf lives); ■ simple maintenance can be carried out by the trained wearer, but more intricate repairs should only be done by specialists; Personal protective equipment (PPE) at work Page 4 of 6 Health and Safety Executive Health and Safety Executive ■ replacement parts match the original, eg respirator filters; ■ you identify who is responsible for maintenance and how to do it; ■ employees make proper use of PPE and report its loss or destruction or any fault in it. Make sure suitable replacement PPE is always readily available. It may be useful to have a supply of disposable PPE, eg for visitors who need protective clothing. CE marking Ensure any PPE you buy is ‘CE’ marked and complies with the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002. The CE marking signifies that the PPE satisfies certain basic safety requirements and in some cases will have been tested and certified by an independent body. Other regulations The PPE at Work Regulations do not apply where the following five sets of regulations require the provision and use of PPE against these hazards. For example, gloves used to prevent dangerous chemicals penetrating the skin would be covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended). The Regulations are: ■ The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002. ■ The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999. ■ The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. ■ The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended). ■ The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Key points to remember Are there ways other than using PPE to adequately control the risk, eg by using engineering controls? If not, check that: ■ suitable PPE is provided; ■ it offers adequate protection for its intended use; ■ those using it are adequately trained in its safe use; ■ it is properly maintained and any defects are reported; ■ it is returned to its proper storage after use. Can I charge for providing PPE? An employer cannot ask for money from an employee for PPE, whether it is returnable or not. This includes agency workers, if they are legally regarded as your employees. If employment has been terminated and the employee keeps the PPE without the employer’s permission, then, as long as it has been made clear in the contract of employment, the employer may be able to deduct the cost of the replacement from any wages owed. Personal protective equipment (PPE) at work Page 5 of 6 Further reading Hard hats: What you need to know as a busy builder Construction Information Sheet CIS70 HSE Books 2013 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis70.pdf Hazardous substances at work: A brief guide to COSHH Leaflet INDG136(rev5) HSE Books 2012 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg136.htm Lead and you Leaflet INDG305(rev2) HSE Books 2012 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg305.htm Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks Leaflet INDG362(rev2) HSE Books 2012 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg362.htm Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Second edition). Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended). Guidance on Regulations L25 (Second edition) HSE Books 2005 ISBN 978 0 7176 6139 8 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l25.htm Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide HSG53 (Third edition) HSE Books 2005 ISBN 978 0 7176 2904 6 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg53.htm Selecting protective gloves for work with chemicals: Guidance for employers and health and safety specialists Leaflet INDG330 HSE Books 2000 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg330.htm Further information For information about health and safety, or to report inconsistencies or inaccuracies in this guidance, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk. You can view HSE guidance online and order priced publications from the website. HSE priced publications are also available from bookshops. This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the guidance is not compulsory, unless specifically stated, and you are free to take other action. But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance. This leaflet is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg174.htm. © Crown copyright If you wish to reuse this information visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/copyright.htm for details. First published 06/13.

How'd you pop the rib? Good story behind it?

I see, thats a bummer. Is the kevlar element required for employees who will be required to saw, or is it across the board, ie. brash draggers as well?

It may not be good practice but is it illegal? If the gear has only been used 6 weeks, a wash cycle should make it like new - who's going to know the difference? I'd be interested to know the ins and outs of this, as holding the PEE for the next lad was my first thought.

Don't mind me, Tom, I've just been listening to too much conservative talk radio lately... I see your angle. It's a tough one...the self employed already pay taxes. If they are low earners, they pay little or no taxes, but neither do the employed, if they are low earners, or part time. If we tax the self employed more, what will that achieve except to discourage people from working as much, increase the black economy, and reduce disposable income, further slowing the economy? More taxes doesn't necessarily mean less deficit- just more money for the government to squander. If we try and squeeze low earners for more, people will just opt to stay on the dole or work black, and as you said, there are 4.5 million of them, the cost/benefit of auditing that many low earners (I don't know what number would be classed as such, but I'm sure it's a lot) every few years would be a mugs game for the state. Why can't governments close their deficit gaps by just spending our money more wizely? That's why money, generally, is better spent by the people, and not the government.

Yes but only if you pay employees that way (it supposedly dis-incentivises them to take their holiday entitlements, more EU meddling) Its different for subbies, since they are responsible for setting their own holidays. Non?

Hypothetically, what would it take to modify gaffs to secrete a fungicidal/healing substance every time they are placed, or removed? A hollow spike, or a tube terminating near the base of the spike, drawing from a small reservoir?

Surely there are other ways to look after the "good of the country" instead of punishing those enterprising people who are pulling their own weight? The self employed are the backbone of western democracies - leave them alone - and cut the fat instead - and by that I mean freeloaders and government.

Thats beautiful!

[ame] [/ame] Bit of a lark, will try it next time a big stump comes along. With a metal pot stand or BBQ etc it would be great for parties. Some interesting stuff on Wranglerstar, he used to be better when he started, got a bit silly recently I think, but still produces watchable stuff sometimes.

Well, I'm happy for you guys who found that the bird returned to resume its parenting duties. I wasn't so lucky - twice last year nearly chopping through nests in dense hedge, one with chicks the other with eggs. I covered them, of course, but after a few weeks was clear that the chicks and eggs had died or been eaten by something. Very sad.... not doing nay more hedges until season's over - and tough titties to the clients...

The problem with encouraging the highly educated immigrants is it causes a brain-drain in their country of origin, giving rise to a low IQ population, low economy, high birth rate, poverty and extremism. Then the low IQ extremists are invited into our countries, make **** of the streets, thus discouraging the native population from having children because young couples see no future for their offspring. Let's all just stay on our own turf. Seriously. Ok, I know thats not going to happen. But when people complain about there not being enough doctors/whatevers so that we have to import them - well, why aren't there enough? Why are our western education systems not producing enough skilled people? Or is the demand for doctors too high? Are we actually a weak and lazy population who won't take our long term heath seriously? Maybe if the general population was more intelligent, we would self-treat more of our common ailments and not be rushing off to the doctor at the first sniffle, thus cutting down the need for more doctors. Maybe if we were more patriotic, less of us would feel entitled to abuse the NHS system. We might have more pride, and assume more social responsibility. Doesn't it all come down to the "quality" of the general population in the end? A population who are disciplined, intelligent, moral and physically fit, don't need the same level of state-guaranteed pensions, medical treatment, welfare and so on as a weaker population. Why aren't the schools producing quality graduates? Why aren't parents raising mentally tough people? We, in the west are in a malaise - Im asking where did it come from?

Leally - who's gonna know? Who's gonna care?...morally - you feel terrible when you hit a nest. Birds are sensitive creatures, even exposing a nest without damage will drive the mother bird off for good, never to return. If its nesting season, just don't work on dense hedges.

If you do build one, pick up an infrared thermometer - there's quite an art to placing the pizza in the right part of the oven relative to the coals, apparently.

If your Tirfor is the open case type, the one with the handle that sticks out the top - you just bash the pin out with a drift. If its the clamshell type, with the built in hooks and the handle on the side...well...its gonna be a bad day...best of luck. There are youtube tutorials that will walk you through it though.....

Call a Locksmith?

The 440/441, 460/461 and 660/661 all share the same oil pump if I am not mistaken, and the pump can be upgraded to the "high output model" for about £70 or the equivalent euros/dollars. I upgraded mine, it does pump more bar oil, empties the oil tank about the same time as the petrol tank, whereas before it was about half.

Would be easy enough to build something like that, with a manual 20 ton bottle jack or 2 for power.

(From the Wikipedia Leylandii page) The plant's rapid growth (up to a metre per year) and great potential height – often over 20 metres (66 ft) tall, sometimes as high as 35 metres (115 ft) – can become a serious problem. In 2005 in the United Kingdom, an estimated 17,000 people were at loggerheads over high hedges, which led to violence and in at least one case murder, when in 2001, retired Environment Agency officer Llandis Burdon, 57, was shot dead after an alleged dispute over a leylandii hedge in Talybont-on-Usk, Powys.[17] Part VIII of the United Kingdom's Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, introduced in 2005, gave a way for people affected by high hedges (usually, but not necessarily, of leylandii) to ask their local authority to investigate complaints about the hedges, and gave the authorities in England and Wales power to have the hedges reduced in height.[22] In May 2008, UK resident Christine Wright won a 24-year legal battle to have her neighbour's leylandii trees cut down for blocking sunlight to her garden.[23] If your soil isn't clay based, and the house foundations are strong and good, maybe you could use the presence of the tree as leverage to bring down the price?

A bread maker machine for the lazy - produces consistent results.

The 2-part transparent epoxy resin is great stuff, can be sanded and polished to a glass finish and will fill massive holes without shrinkage issues - really amazing stuff. You could embed a small crab or seashell in the holes to add interest.

Is the British love-affair with rules and regulations regional or across the board? Just wondering, would one find the same level of preoccupation with H&S in very rural communities as in suburban sprawl areas? Really, I'm not judging, just keen to know.

Anyone on here ever read "The White Company" by Arthur Conan Doyle? (of Sherlock Holmes fame) - historical fiction set during the hundred years war, follows the exploits of a regiment of British archers. Excellent book, very highly researched in terms of historical accuracy. C Doyle thought it more significant in terms of literary achievement than the Sherlock Holmes stories, though it's relatively unknown.

Busted out the FS460 yesterday afternoon, first cut of the year. Grab the handles and let rip with the tap-and-go head in new growth montbretia, 47ccs of raw power to 3mm round string and no guard I feel like this guy It doesn't happen every time, but statistically speaking, one of these days one of my clients is going to overhear me yelling "YEEEEEEEHAAA!!!!" as I power though their bracken/tall grass/whatever. Happens with the MS461 as well in big timber. Maybe they already have and are too polite to mention it. I don't care, got to enjoy what you do or whats the point?

Its when they burn plastic rubbish I draw the line. Anything organic is fair enough....